OK, front tires are going on soon. Looks like I need new shocks too, while I'm at it I'm thinking of going ahead with losing an inch.

What shocks should I go with for improved handling?

I want to lose 1" in front, its a 350 with a/c and heavy duty radiator. I don't want to get "drop springs" and have it go up.

Not wanting to spend a fortune, but I don't just want to cut the coils, I want something a little better handling

I would go with Hotchkis 1" drop springs for the front with Bilstein shocks. This will inprove handling while keeping your ride quality.

will the springs actually give drop?

With that combo you're getting close to $400 which would buy you a qa1 coilover setup. Adjustable shocks and ride height.

whoa...I'm not interested in that price at all

I'm looking to spend ~$150 springs and some decent but budget priced shocks

what if I go with the shocks for now and get the springs later on...or is this a very bad idea?

Theres nothing wrong with cutting the coils, and you could get some good shocks for a little over $150/pr.

I just really don't want to do it twice. Putting in front springs was a bitch last time and I would rather not have to put them in, take them out, cut, put back and then possibly have to cut again.

Springs aren't so much a necessity at the moment, but shocks are.

I hear ya, I just went through the process of removing one spring last weekend. I installed them a few years ago and the front still sits too high. This was all done with no help. I had some springs that I *thought* were lowering springs (they were lightly used and painted) but upon closer inspection, appeared to be the same spring I had just removed. I said "screw it" to the whole process and ordered coilovers, because I was afraid of the same thing you are; buying lowering springs and having them not change the ride height or raising it up. The extra money of not having to do or buy something 2 or 3 more times to find the setup I wanted more than justified the $400.

Rant over, and to help you out I have heard great things about bilstein shocks, but those would more than wipe out your $150 budget. KYBs are inexpensive and firm but not the best out there. If you are interested, the shocks I am removing are KYBs and they have never seen any road time so they are in like-new condition. When I install the qa1s I'll not need these anymore. PM me if interested.